- [Reporter] China has dropped some hints
about how it could retaliate against EU tariffs
on its electric vehicle exports.
The Commerce Ministry said Friday
it would hold a hearing to examine claims
European brandy producers are selling into the country
at below market rates.
Officials have also referred to another probe
into EU pork exports.
Analysts say the targets were chosen to pressure Spain
and France, which have been among the strongest backers
of the new levies.
Europe this week imposed import tariffs of up to 37.6%
on China-made EVs.
That will hit local brands like BYD,
but also Chinese made cars from Western firms,
including Tesla.
The tariffs are provisional while Brussels conducts a probe
into Beijing's support for its car makers.
China has said both sides should stay
at the negotiating table for now.
Officials have said they don't want another trade war,
but will take all necessary steps to protect Chinese firms.
Reports in state-backed media indicate other possible
targets for retaliation.
That could include dairy products and luxury cars.
The EU tariffs have also divided opinion in Europe.
German automakers have called for them to be scrapped,
fearing they could be a target for Beijing's response.